Kathryn Johnson, Patient Advocate
Kathryn is here to ensure our patients are informed about breast cancer and breast disease, focused on their healing, and cared for at every step of their treatment. Patients can call her with questions or concerns that they have during treatment.
As patient advocate, she counsels patients and helps them get into the proper mindset to beat breast cancer. She provides a listening ear, answers questions, and arms them with information, turning technical medical-speak into language that patients and their families can understand. She gives them the information they need to be more aware and empowered, giving them some control over their situation, and turning them into active partners in their own treatment.
Kathryn has been a breast cancer survivor since 1980 and knows firsthand the emotions our patients experience. She has also dealt with breast cancer afflicting other members of her family, so she knows what it is like to be a survivor as well as a supportive family member.
In 1980, when she was diagnosed, she was told she wasn't going to live. Today, breast cancer is the most survivable of all cancers, and by her example, she shows patients that they can not only survive the disease, but also live a normal life.
Kathryn began her medical career in 1962, working in family practice and in a surgeon's office, prior to joining the staff at Breast Care Specialists.
She and her husband have four children and six grandchildren. A truly gentle and caring spirit, she loves to garden, paint, and go on mission trips throughout Virginia and Alaska to help those in need.
Terri Shell, Clinical Assistant
Terri provides medical support for our patients, preparing them for their exams and assisting the doctor during their visits. She also keeps statistical records of all pathologies of patients, so that any trends or patterns of disease in the patient population can be identified.
Terri has been in the medical field since 1990, and has worked previously in neurotrama intensive care and in health information and referral. She took a keen interest in the medical field ever since high school, and says, “I love my job and working with the patients here!”
Missy Tuck, Clinical Assistant
Along with Terri, Missy provides medical support for our patients, preparing them for their exams and assisting the doctor during their visits.
She also handles insurance billing, so patients can direct insurance questions to her. Missy does all insurance preauthorization for surgical procedures recommended by Breast Care Specialists. (Shamelle Mike handles all insurance preauthorization for non-surgical procedures.)
Missy has been in the medical field since 1998.
Karen Baker, Mammography Technologist
Karen operates the mammography machine and strives to help patients feel as comfortable as possible with the procedure. She develops the mammogram x-rays and reviews them for technical quality, ensuring that the radiologist has the highest quality image possible to work with, so that the smallest abnormalities can be detected.
She has been an x-ray technologist since 1980, and since 1984, she has specialized solely in mammographies, developing her craft into an art form. She is a certified radiologic technologist and mammographer with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Shamelle Mike, Office Manager
Shamelle manages many of the operations of the front office to ensure things run smoothly and that we have seamless communication with your primary care physician.
She will ask the important questions to ensure that we have all the information necessary to limit your time spent in the reception area and maximize your time with the doctor.
In addition, she handles insurance preauthorization for non-surgical procedures done at Breast Care Specialists (Missy Tuck handles all insurance preauthorization for surgical procedures). These non-surgical procedures include biopsies, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, etc. She also makes appointments for you with any outside physicians to whom Breast Care Specialists may refer you.
Shamelle has been working in the medical field since 1999 because she says she "enjoys taking care of people and helping patients."
